Leeds, England: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has once again set the internet ablaze, this time with an audacious backflip celebration after smashing a sensational Test century against England at Headingley. The acrobatic display, following a blistering knock on Day 2 of the first Test, has gone viral, captivating cricket fans worldwide.
A Century of Flair and Fight
Pant, resuming his innings on his overnight score of 65, showcased a blend of aggressive strokeplay and remarkable composure. He swiftly moved past the 90s with a flurry of boundaries, ultimately bringing up his seventh Test century β his third on English soil β with a magnificent six over mid-wicket off spinner Shoaib Bashir. This hundred not only put India in a commanding position but also marked a significant milestone for Pant.
The Viral Backflip: A Signature Celebration
The moment Pant reached his century, he dropped his bat, took off his gloves, and executed a clean backflip on the pitch. This unique celebration, a rare sight in the longest format of the game, immediately drew immense applause from the Indian dressing room and the enthusiastic crowd at Headingley. It quickly became the talk of social media, with fans and pundits sharing the video widely and hailing it as a “signature celebration” for the dynamic cricketer.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Pant has pulled off this move. He had previously celebrated a century in the IPL 2025 with a similar backflip, which also went viral, signaling his return to form after a challenging period.
Surpassing MS Dhoni’s Record
With this magnificent century, Rishabh Pant has etched his name in the record books, surpassing former captain MS Dhoni for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. Pant now leads the list with seven tons, eclipsing Dhoni’s six, further solidifying his reputation as India’s most prolific wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket. This achievement highlights his growing stature and impact in the red-ball format.
A Landmark Innings in a Team Effort
Pant’s century was a crucial component of India’s dominant batting display at Headingley. Alongside him, skipper Shubman Gill (147) and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) also notched up impressive centuries, drawing comparisons to India’s historic 2002 Headingley Test win where Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Sachin Tendulkar all reached three figures. This collective batting effort has placed India in a strong position in the ongoing Test match.
